There is no rule that says what a closing gift should cost, and no client is checking the price tag. But a consistent budget saves you from deciding deal by deal, and it keeps gifting a planned marketing cost instead of an impulse buy. Here is a simple way for Canadian agents to set one.
Start with what the gift is for
A closing gift has two jobs: thank the client and keep you in mind for the next move and every referral in between. The second job matters more over time, so the gift should be good enough that they use it and remember who sent it. It does not need to be expensive to do that.
A simple three-tier budget
Most agents settle on two or three tiers so the decision is made once.
Tier 1: $25 to $50
For smaller deals, rentals, referral thank-yous and pop-bys. A small candle, a tin of good tea or a bag of maple popcorn says thank you without overthinking it. Browse Gifts Under $50 and Referral Thank-You Gifts.
Tier 2: $50 to $100
The sweet spot for most purchase closings. This is where boxed sets live: a spa box, a caramel box, a tea and infuser set. They feel complete and arrive as one gift. Browse Gifts $50 to $100 and Gift Boxes & Sets.
Tier 3: $100 and up
For larger commissions, repeat clients and people who will likely send you business. Pick something they will use daily for years: a heavyweight throw, a set of candles, barware, or a statement piece like a made-in-Québec mailbox. Browse Gifts $100 and Up.
How to choose the tier for each deal
- Size of the deal. Many agents scale the gift with their commission, so a bigger closing gets the next tier up.
- Referral potential. A client with a large network or a business of their own is worth an extra tier.
- Repeat clients. Second and third deals with the same client deserve the step up.
- Your annual plan. Add up your expected closings, multiply by your average gift, and make sure it fits your marketing budget alongside holiday gifts and anniversaries.
Count the hidden costs
The sticker price is rarely the full cost of a gift. Shipping, a card, your time in a store and the drive to drop it off all add up. On most Maple & Key gifts, the price you see already includes delivery anywhere in Canada, your card message and a branded e-card to your client, so the number you budget is the number you pay (plus HST). A few gourmet items add delivery at checkout and say so on the product page.
Budget for the whole client year, not just closing day
A closing gift is one touch. Agents who stay top of mind usually plan three:
- Closing gift in the first week or two after possession. See closing gift ideas by type of client.
- Holiday gift in December, usually from your Tier 1 range so you can include everyone. See our holiday gift guide and holiday client list service.
- Home anniversary one year later. See Home Anniversary Gifts.
If you close regularly, Client Care ($19 a month) takes $9 off every gift and we time each closing gift for you.
Keep your receipts
Client gifts are a business expense for most agents, but how they are treated for tax depends on the gift and your situation, so ask your accountant. Every Maple & Key order comes with an emailed receipt showing the HST and our GST/HST number, which makes year-end easier.